Savory Tomato Crisp

Hooray! It’s officially summer! I don’t know about you, but our next few months are jam packed with activities. Owen has not one, not two, but THREE birthday parties this Saturday, plus we are hosting dinner for Alex’s cousins on Thursday night and for my parents on Friday night. I think there is something about the warm weather and lingering sunshine that just makes people feel more social. Not that I am complaining. On the contrary–I love parties, and I love hosting.

I’ve found that the best way to entertain in the summer is to keep things light and casual, and to serve dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and can be made ahead. Nobody feels like hanging out in a steamy kitchen in the middle of July or August–it’s all about eating outside on the patio or back porch.

This savory tomato crisp is one of my favorite summer recipes. It’s super simple to prepare, it can served at room temperature, and it works for brunch, lunch, or as an elegant side at dinner.

For the filling, I like to use a mix of heirloom tomatoes. If you can find them in different colors it looks extra pretty, but all red is fine too. Chop them up and toss them with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a little cornstarch for thickening.

But really, like all good crisps, this one is all about that TOPPING: crunchy Dare Cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and just enough butter to hold it all together. I used the Dare Breton Original Crackers in this recipe. I love them because they are super flaky, light, and buttery, and they are made with wheat germ and whole wheat flour.

Sprinkle it over the top and bake until the tomatoes are bubbling and the top is golden-brown. Some of the filling will melt into the tomatoes as it bakes, creating this delicious, super-savory roasted-tomato-cracker-crumb situation that is almost like a pudding. But with crumbles on top. And loads of garlic and balsamic vinegar. YUM.

This dish never fails to impress. People always expect it to be a dessert, and they are blown away when you tell them it’s actually a savory crisp with tomatoes, crackers, and cheese. Easy summer entertaining, for the win!

Savory Tomato Crisp

2016-06-21 23:38:30

Serves 6

This savory tomato crisp topped with a buttery cracker crumble is the perfect, easy, elegant brunch, lunch or dinner dish!

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the tomatoes and garlic in a 1 1/2 to 2-quart baking dish (an 8-x-8-inch baking pan would be great). Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a small bowl, stir together the balsamic vinegar and cornstarch until smooth. Pour over the tomatoes and toss gently to coat.

In a food processor, combine the crackers, flour, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture just starts to come together in clumps and looks like wet sand.

Scatter the topping over the tomatoes and bake until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

By Turnip the Oven

Turnip the Oven http://turniptheoven.com/

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Welcome!

Hi! I'm Lucy. Turnip the Oven is my vegetable-focused food blog, but sometimes I'm sidetracked by dessert. My recipes are simple and approachable, and I use fresh, seasonal ingredients. I hope I inspire you to eat more plants…and cookies.